Wayne Rooney has vowed to show off Norway’s iconic row if they beat Brazil to reach the quarter-finals, which could set up a match against England. The Manchester United and England legend has promised to execute Viking Law in the River Mersey if he shocks the record holder.
The Europeans defeated Ivory Coast in Dallas, with Erling Haaland scoring the winning goal late on. Antonio Nusa opened the scoring to give Stare Solbakken’s side the advantage just before half-time, but United’s Amad leveled the score with a fine individual goal. The match looked like it was going to go into extra time, but Haaland intervened and scored his 60th goal for Norway, becoming the fastest international player in history to reach that milestone.
BBC presenter Gabby Logan joked that Rooney was rehearsing his high-profile post-match celebrations at this summer’s World Cup, with the pundit setting out his commitments if Norway reach the last eight. “They’re preparing to do the symbolic low. Wayne is practicing. He hasn’t committed to doing it tonight, but before the tournament is over. If Norway beat Brazil in the end, there’s a chance they could play England if they get through,” Logan said.
Rooney replied: “If Norway can get to the quarter-finals, I’m going to go down to the Mersey and row.” Much like the Icelandic applause at Euro 2016, Norway’s Viking Row captured the imagination at the World Cup, with supporters captivating audiences around the world with the spectacle.
Since then, it’s become mainstream, with Martin Odegaard leading the way in celebrations after the final whistle and Ryder Cup star Viktor Hovland launching his own during last weekend’s Travelers Championship PGA Tour victory. Traditionally, the ceremony begins with the blowing of an ancient Norse horn, and participants lower themselves to the floor in a formation that resembles a Viking longboat. The leader beats the drum, which is the basis of the chant at World Cups across North America. The drumbeat begins at a gentle pace, gradually gaining momentum as fans row their arms in unison and shout, “Row!”
Rooney, who has become a familiar face on the BBC since being sacked as Birmingham City manager in 2024, has promised to hold a celebration on the River Mersey, one of the North West’s most iconic waterways, if Norway beat Brazil.
The 40-year-old will learn his fate after the match between the two countries on July 5 (kickoff 8 p.m.) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Rooney will no doubt be hoping Haaland fails to surprise Carlo Ancelotti’s side and secure a place in the quarter-finals.
But if the country, ranked 31st in the world by FIFA, pulls off the upset, the former Everton academy product may quietly take solace in the fact that he will have to stick to his bets in the summer rather than in the winter when the waters of the Mersey become harsher. In doing so, he would not be the first member of the BBC sports broadcasting team to make a bold promise. Gary Lineker famously hosted Match of the Day in his boxer shorts after Leicester City’s sensational Premier League title win in 2016.
Logan said, “You heard it here first! It’s not exactly going to introduce you to today’s match by the seat of your pants, but we think it’s pretty good to promise that, and we’re sure we’ll promise you that too.”
